Moving History

About this Organization

Moving History teaches the story of African American people through kinetic education and performance programs. As a practical solution to increase the attention to black history in educational curriculums, the Moving History initiative works to bring the story of African Americans to students and communities through the Arts.   Our Djembe Orchestra Program is currently delivering the course The Great Mali Empire which exposes students to the culture and history, particularly relating to Mansa Musa and Sundiata through the study and technical training on West African Drums. This course addresses the Social Studies goals of the Compass by tailoring instruction to meet schools’ goals about the study of world cultures. A slideshow from a culminating exhibition of this class, following 10 days of instruction for one hour each day can be found here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zrEr4x8jBgWeOM5kXfzFg1bni9LaLbmYGL1JxecSsC8/edit?usp=sharing   Culinary Arts:  African American cuisine is legendary. This course offers a look at Black heritage through the lens of the kitchen. Students will learn traditional recipes, new takes on old favorites, and how we are connected across the Atlantic and the Diaspora through food. This course addresses the mathematics goals of the Compass Commitments, measuring students ability to identify and add fractions using measuring tools for cooking, and science goals by tailoring instruction to school-selected goals in this discipline.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_7xjqpGYRHLlo_yfALfUkmg9h4QMV7K3/view?usp=sharing   Voice: From Field Songs, to Spirituals, and Gospel to Rock-n-Roll, the life and times of African Americans has been preserved through song. In this course, students will learn tonality, pitch, and fundamental vocal techniques through various genres of Black music. https://drive.google.com/file/d/172XafCpbbJbLhVf_BmsTY4FWdxa9-DCC/view?usp=sharing   Marching Band Drum:  The snare drum shows up across the Diaspora from Brazil to Baltimore. In this instrumental music class, students will learn drumming technique, marching skills, and explore the connections between Black cultures from one side of the Atlantic to the other. Literacy Achievement is prioritized in this class through the examination of video and written texts wherein students will compare and contrast Brazilian and American cultures. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1REvOGiDZQAHFEw_svduLJjyS5zi4XnGM/view?usp=sharing   Marching Band Dance:  Rios's Carnival has made Samba world famous. Baltimore's marching band dance is the local equivalent. In this class, students will learn the basics of dance for Marching, and how the neighborhood bands across the city parallel those from New Orleans to Rio. Literacy Achievement is prioritized in this class through the examination of video and written texts wherein students will compare and contrast Brazilian and American cultures. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kgc7vw5TKj85GVx1bPQ-02-R87lp7SOZ/view?usp=sharing   Stepping  HBCU's fraternities and sororities have made Step famous. Its roots in South African Gumboot dancing connect this Balck dance to the continent of Africa. This course will teach Step technique, and open students' eyes to collegiate education, as it exposes them to world history. Literacy Achievement is prioritized in this class through the examination of video and written texts wherein students will compare and contrast South African and American cultures.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m0IBFSEIs-peBQ67Bz3rEyVmLtCe3BtP/view?usp=sharing   Baltimore Club New Orleans is known for Second Lining, Chicago for Stepping, and D.C. for Go-Go. Baltimore's hometown groove is Club. This class will teach students about ethnic groups, and their signature dances and music, from the continent of Africa to the city we live in. Social Studies achievement is the goal in this course as we compare and contrast regional cultures. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yrBNZlemxtz6M5FmA40QjupKMVz9tSTh/view?usp=sharing    Photography and Videography: In our photography and videography course, students study videographers and filmmakers of color, and consider how their work illustrates their ethnic identity. Students build fundamental competencies in either or both disciplines depending upon the length of the program and the priorities of the school community. Students produce original work wherein they realize and present artistic ideas.    Set Design Being behind stage is some students' preference in the performing arts. This visual arts class teaches students to create and install thematic elements to create a stage design. Mathematics Achievement is a priority in this class as students measure, and examine size and shape to create installations for stage performances.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E7Yr1DsiQ55xI9o06l4mGORsMPRbvNmv/view?usp=sharing